The Coalition Against Injustice in Nigeria (CAIN) has faulted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on its mode of operation in the country, while alleging political witch-hunt, media trial, blackmail, and selective investigation of some citizens.

The group also frowned at the Commission’s position in allowing most Nigerians with corruption cases to walk free in society.

Meanwhile, CAIN advised the EFCC under its present Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, not to turn the anti-graft body into a tool of witch-hunt, targeting members of the opposition, the new political coalition, and any individual who is seen to pose a threat to the 2027 agenda of powerful interests in the country.

In a statement signed by the President of CAIN, Abdulganiyu Lukman, and the National Secretary, Ifeoma Chimezie, and made available to journalists in Kaduna on Saturday, the group lamented that “the EFCC has been reduced to operating like an arm of the APC.”

“Nigerians demand explanations as to why some people are being invited and investigated, while others, like Barrister Neysom Wike, with many allegations of corruption, have not been invited by the EFCC; former Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. What of Tompolo and Abdulrasak Okoya’s son, who sprayed and abused the Naira? What of former Governor Okowa’s case? What is happening to Yahaya Bello’s case? What has happened to Beta Edu since she was sacked?” Lukman said.

“In the same vein, we see people with corruption cases immediately becoming free of any wrongdoing after joining the APC, while others are being pursued with aggression. The lives of young and promising Nigerians are being destroyed, like Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Abdullahi Bashir Haske,” he added.

Besides, CAIN further decried “the EFCC’s use of media trial to blackmail and crucify individuals without them having been invited, arrested, or found guilty. The media has been used in intimidating and painting individuals black, making them lose the sympathy of the masses and look guilty even before they have been officially investigated, charged, or found with any economic and financial crimes.”

Said Lukman, “We are not surprised because the present Chairman was brought under the same condition. His appointment was first circulated in the media to gain Nigerians’ sympathy and watch their reaction before he was appointed, alleging that he wouldn’t have merited the position constitutionally. No wonder he is the only Chairman of the EFCC who has recorded the highest number of protests against him and calls for his resignation.”

He remarked, “We are neither against the EFCC nor its Chairman; rather, we respect and support it. But it is disappointing to see that the EFCC, which is supposed to be leading the war against corruption, is found completely derailing from its core aim and objectives. This is what we are out to correct for every Nigerian to get fair and just treatment.”

“We are calling on Nigerians to never take the EFCC seriously until they are satisfied with the way the cases of these people mentioned above are handled, until the EFCC returns to its core mandate and its objectives.”

Meanwhile, the group has reminded the EFCC Chairman of what is expected of him, stressing, “It is not political witch-hunt or unjust and selective investigations to serve ulterior motives, but an aggressive fight against corruption that has bedevilled Nigeria and hindered its progress for so long.”